2012 Most Endangered Rivers Report Released
Posted: 05/15/2012
By: Thomas O'Keefe
Today, American Rivers released the annual report on America's Most Endangered Rivers.
American Whitewater has partnered with American Rivers in past years in identifying threatened
rivers, and this year we are working together to highlight threats to the Skykomish River in
Washington and the Green River in Utah.
The Skykomish is one of Washington’s most popular rivers for fishing, paddling, and scenic
beauty. However, a proposed hydropower dam would destroy the wild character of the river’s
South Fork, and reduce two spectacular waterfalls to a trickle. Decision-makers should abandon
this damaging project and focus on better energy alternatives to ensure those needs are balanced
with the need for healthy rivers and a strong outdoor recreation economy.
LEARN MORE AND TAKE ACTION
The Green River is the largest tributary of the Colorado River, and carves some of the most
iconic river canyons in the U.S. Thousands of anglers fish its waters and thousands of
rafters experience its majestic canyons each year, generating a robust rural economy across
three states. However, a proposal to pump a massive volume of water out of the Green into a
pipeline reaching over 500 miles across Wyoming to Colorado’s Front Range threatens
world-class recreation, rural economies, critical fish habitats, and the water supply for the
lower Colorado River Basin. The Governors of Utah and Colorado must join Wyoming’s
Governor Mead in opposing the pipeline and standing up for more efficient, cost-effective
water supply solutions.
LEARN MORE AND TAKE ACTION
Check out the full 2012 America's
Most Endangered Rivers report to learn more about other endangered rivers including
treasured paddling destinations like the Missouri and Chattahoochee and whitewater gems like
the Potomac and Hoback.
Thomas O'Keefe
3537 NE 87th St.
Seattle, WA 98115
E-mail: okeefe@americanwhitewater.org
Phone: 425-417-9012
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